Leviticus 6:27

Anything that touches its flesh will become holy, and if any of the blood is spattered on a garment, you must wash it in a holy place.

Study Bible

Anything that touches its flesh will become holy
This phrase refers to the sacrificial offerings made to God, specifically the sin offering. In the context of Leviticus, the sacrificial system was central to the Israelites' worship and relationship with God. The holiness of the offering is transferred to anything that comes into contact with it, emphasizing the sacredness of the sacrifices. This concept of holiness being transferred is seen throughout the Old Testament, where contact with holy objects or places required purification or consecration. It underscores the idea that holiness is not inherent in objects or people but is derived from God's presence and command. This can be seen as a type of Christ, whose holiness and righteousness are imputed to believers through faith.

and if any of the blood is spattered on a garment
The blood of the sacrifice was considered sacred and had specific instructions for handling. Blood, representing life, was a crucial element in the atonement process. The spattering of blood on a garment signifies the seriousness and sanctity of the sacrificial act. In the ancient Near Eastern context, blood was often used in rituals to symbolize purification and consecration. The New Testament echoes this symbolism, where the blood of Christ is seen as the ultimate atonement for sin, cleansing believers and making them righteous before God.

you must wash it in a holy place
The requirement to wash the garment in a holy place highlights the importance of maintaining the sanctity of the sacrificial process. The holy place, likely referring to the tabernacle or later the temple, was where God's presence dwelled among His people. Washing in a holy place ensured that the act of cleansing was done in a manner that respected the sacredness of the blood and the offering. This practice reflects the broader biblical theme of purification and the need for cleanliness before approaching God. It also points forward to the New Testament, where believers are called to live holy lives, set apart for God's purposes, through the cleansing power of Christ's sacrifice.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Priests
The primary individuals responsible for performing the sacrifices and maintaining the holiness of the tabernacle.

2. Tabernacle
The holy place where sacrifices were made and where garments would be washed if they were spattered with blood.

3. Sacrificial Offerings
The context of this verse is within the laws concerning offerings, specifically the sin offering, which was considered most holy.

Teaching Points

Holiness in Contact
The verse emphasizes that whatever touches the flesh of the sacrifice becomes holy. This principle underscores the transformative power of holiness and the need for purity in our interactions with the divine.

The Significance of Blood
Blood, as a symbol of life and atonement, requires careful handling. The instruction to wash garments in a holy place signifies the need for reverence and purity in dealing with matters of atonement.

Sacred Spaces and Actions
The requirement to wash garments in a holy place highlights the importance of maintaining sacredness in our actions and environments, reminding us to treat our places of worship and service with respect.

Symbolism of Cleansing
The act of washing garments symbolizes spiritual cleansing. Just as the priests were required to cleanse physically, we are called to seek spiritual cleansing through repentance and faith in Christ.

Holiness in Daily Life
The principles of holiness and purity extend beyond the tabernacle to our daily lives. We are called to live in a way that reflects God's holiness, impacting our actions, words, and thoughts.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of holiness in Leviticus 6:27 relate to our understanding of personal holiness today?

2. In what ways does the handling of blood in the Old Testament sacrificial system foreshadow the sacrifice of Jesus Christ?

3. How can we apply the principle of maintaining sacred spaces in our modern context, both physically and spiritually?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure that our interactions with others reflect the holiness of God?

5. How does the requirement to wash garments in a holy place challenge us to consider the importance of spiritual cleansing in our lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 29
Discusses the consecration of priests and the sanctity of the tabernacle, emphasizing the holiness required in service to God.

Hebrews 9
Explains the significance of blood in the context of atonement and purification, drawing parallels between Old Testament sacrifices and the sacrifice of Christ.

1 Peter 1
Calls believers to be holy in all conduct, reflecting the holiness required in the Old Testament sacrificial system.